There are 128 runners scheduled to run across the seven races of Ladies Day at Cheltenham – but how many of them will be ridden by women?
The answer is two: Gina Andrews will resume her long-standing alliance with the veteran Latenightpass in the Glenfarclas Cross Country (3.20) while Jody Townend, younger sister of Paul, takes the reins on The Vicar (5.20) in the concluding Weatherby’s Champion Bumper.
When there were 110 horses coming under starters orders on day one, Olive Nichols – who finished 14th of 22 in the Ultima on Stolen Silver, a 150/1 chance trained by her father, Paul – was the only female in action.
There is a spike on Thursday, as Anna McGuinness partners Gold Dancer for Willie Mullins in the Jack Richards Novices’ Chase (2.00), while in the Kim Muir (5.20) Andrews (Insurrection) and Nichols (Il Ridoto) are joined by Amber Jackson-Fennell (Uncle Bert) and Lucy Turner (Hunter Legend).
Still, there are 117 declarations on day three. All this makes you think about Rachael Blackmore and Bryony Frost – who had taken the mantle on from Nina Carberry and Katie Walsh – and everything they achieved at Cheltenham during Festivals gone by.
Jody Townend – sister of Paul – will aim to win the Champion Bumper on The Vicar at 5.20pm
This week marks the fifth anniversary of Blackmore becoming leading rider at the Festival when she had six winners – including Bob Olinger, Honeysuckle and Allaho – and still went home disappointed as the Gold Cup eluded her; she could have ridden Minella Indo but opted for runner-up A Plus Tard.
Frost, meanwhile, is sadly absent from Cheltenham. She was the leading female rider in France last season and loves living in Paris but when she returned to this track in January, for three rides on Trials Day, her popularity was obvious as she was besieged by autograph hunters.
Blackmore – who was ambassador for Ladies Day – and Frost made it seem normal that they were taking on the boys and, often, beating them: the latter’s reaction to winning the Ryanair Chase on Frodon (2019) was one of the highlights of the Festival’s last decade.
Will we see someone follow in their footsteps in jump racing? It must be hoped we do. One of the unique attractions about racing was the fact women could take on men on a level playing field. The sport is better for female riders flourishing.
Danny joy! Mullins makes his uncle proud on outsiders
It would be wrong to call Danny Mullins ‘the ultimate team player’ as that wouldn’t do justice to describe his ability but what a lucky charm he is for his uncle, Willie.
The Singer Arkle Challenge Trophy had been billed as showdown between Kopek Des Bordes, a shining light for the Mullins Stable, and Lulamba, the big hope for Nicky Henderson but that was never in the mind of one jockey.
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Danny bounced his partner, Kargese, into an early lead and they jumped magnificently. While the big two in the market made the odd mistake at key points, Kargese – carrying the silks made famous by Honeysuckle – skipped around and eventually fought off the last challenge from Kopek Des Bordes.
Success was greeted with a twirl of his whip as he crossed the line; it was the 33rd Grade One triumph of his career and, incredibly, not one of those victories came on board a favourite. Even Flooring Porter, the dual Stayers Hurdle hero, had horses above him in the market.
Danny Mullins goes clear on 7/1 shot Kargese to upset the favourites in the Arkle
‘Kargese was very good,’ said the winning trainer. ‘I thought Danny gave her a tremendous ride. He used all the attributes that she has and when he wanted a jump at the last he got it.’
One brave soul suggested to Danny, as he made his way to the weighing room, that he “looked booked for third” turning in and that prompted the response: “well that’s your opinion. I had plenty left!”
He added: ‘I’ve been dangerous on a 25/1 shot of Willie’s too! He’s just a master, and to be a part of that team is just unbelievable. To get days like this… these are not a given. These are very special. I’m very lucky to be used (by him) to ride Cheltenham winners. Hopefully I can ride plenty more.’
Sobering response to a near-miss at Cheltenham
The traditional roar for the SkyBet Supreme Novices Hurdle seemed to carry an extra zing and what a contest unfolded. OId Park Star was able to repel Sober Glory, Mydaddypaddy with Baron Noir completing a 1-2-3-4 for British stables: a result unheard of in recent times given Irish strength.
Sober Glory galloped his socks off and plenty wonder what might have happened had he not slightly bungled the final flight; still joint trainer Johnson White was smiling when he unsaddled the chestnut but then, in a candid moment, revealed his true feelings.
‘We’re chuffed to bits with him,’ White said with obvious pride. ‘He has run brilliantly – but it’s not winning, is it?’
No reply was necessary.
Festival hits the bullseye with darts heroes
Plenty of famous faces were dotted around the course, not least the darts players Luke Littler, Nathan Aspinall and Luke Humphreys. The latter is fascinated by racing and Cool Hoof Luke – a flat horse trained by Ian Balding, who won at Wolverhampton last Saturday – is named after him.
Luke Littler (centre) and Luke Humphreys (left) – nicknamed Cool Hand Luke – were among the stars at Cheltenham on Tuesday
110 fans win £2,500… not bad for a day’s work!
Some 110 people were the best part of £2,500 better off today after conquering Paddy Power’s Eliminator game.
Eliminator requires punters to pick the winner in 6 races – starting with 6 picks for race one, 5 for race two, right down to just one for the final race of the game. For Cheltenham, the prize kitty is a mega £1m across the week, with £250,000 up for grabs each day.
Paddy Power said: ‘What a way to kick off Cheltenham week with 110 punters navigating all 6 races to conquer our Eliminator game. With another £750k left up for grabs, the only thing our bean counters will be eliminating at this rate is the free drink tokens at the staff summer party.’
